Life

Champion Confident of Back-to-Back Wins in Busselton

All eyes are on German star Andreas Raelert in Sunday’s IRONMAN Western Australia … or are they?

Denmark’s Jimmy Johnsen is confident he has the goods to defend his 2012 SunSmart IRONMAN Western Australian title over a stellar international field. There’s a record field of 1,600 competitors from 39 nations set for the 10th anniversary of the popular event in the beachside town of Busselton.

Johnsen faces a powerful group of challengers led by Germany’s Andreas Raelert, a four-time podium finisher at the IRONMAN World Championship and Australia’s Luke Bell, a two-time IRONMAN winner this year.

While Raelert is the best credentialed athlete in the race, Johnsen believes the biggest barrier between him and back-to-back titles will be Australian David Dellow.

"Dave Dellow is probably my major rival. A lot of people are probably talking about Andreas, but for me Dave didn't race Kona so he is probably pretty fresh and eager to race well. He can handle the hot conditions so he is the person I have my eyes on," Johnsen said.

After a disappointing end to his IRONMAN World Championship campaign when injury forced his withdrawal after the bike leg, Raelert had no hesitation in signing on for the Busselton event. He is a double Olympian and finished on the podium at Hawaii for four straight years up to 2012.

Aussie star Luke Bell is a major threat to complete an outstanding year after IRONMAN wins at Port Macquarie and Mont-Tremblant.

The women’s field includes two previous winners at Busselton in Michelle Bremer and Western Australia’s Kate Bevilaqua along with current IRONMAN Australia champion Rebecca Hoschke.

Bevilaqua, the 2010 champion, believes it is one of the strongest fields in Busselton.

There are a number of internationals with strong pedigrees including Lucie Reed (Czech Republic), a double podium finisher this year; American Liz Lyle, who had top five finishes at Lake Tahoe and Frankfurt; and Kiwi Melanie Burke, a former national rowing rep, national marathon champion, elite cycling rep and Zofingen winner in 2011.

Other homegrown athletes to watch include the in-form Lisa Marangon, who won IRONMAN 70.3 Port Macquarie, and Kat Baker.

Check out our live coverage of IRONMAN Western Australia here on Ironman,com this weekend.